UK HUN? Be sure you’re holiday-ready
YOU CAN STILL BOOK A SUMMER BREAK AT HOME IF YOU’RE QUICK, WRITES CLAIRE SPREADBURY NIGEL THOMPSON looks at how best to be prepared for when Covid restrictions end and we can travel again
IT’S been a tough 12 months. Lockdown, loneliness and loss has been hard hitting thanks to the pandemic, and most of us are desperate for a holiday.
The politicians’ roadmaps have given us a little light at the end of the tunnel, but foreign escapes still feel out of reach for many, and anxiety inducing to others.
So, it’s likely we’ll be holidaying closer to home this summer – which is fine by us, as long as it’s not actually at home. Never has a local escape – ideally with family and friends we haven’t seen or hugged for eons – been more welcome.
But is it worth the stress? If last summer is anything to go by, all the best places were snapped up before we even started Googling, and the ones left seemed bang average (at best) yet absolutely extortionate.
So, is there anything left, where do we want to escape to, and when should we book?
UK HOT SPOTS
Family holiday experts Vrbo surveyed more than 7,000 parents and discovered – unsurprisingly, we’re all keen to head to the beach this summer.
Cornwall topped the list of UK destinations its customers are interested in this summer, mirroring last year’s popularity of Cornish seaside destinations, such as St Ives. Its neighbouring county of Devon, home to The English Riviera, is also proving to be a popular staycation destination, while Norfolk, Dorset and Caithness, a historic county in Scotland, round off the top five.
Karen Mullins, market insights lead for Vrbo, says: “Our latest findings show that despite a year of postponed and cancelled holidays, this year will be the summer for UK staycations. It’s great to see families fall back in love with their home country once again, and support local businesses.”
Still not sure where to book? These top locations are still available – if you’re quick...
Caithness
1. CORNWALL
There aren’t many Cornish coastal locations we wouldn’t like to escape to, but St Ives really is a jewel in the crown. With an average nightly fee of £211 and availability in the summer holidays, the Stones luxury apartment in a four-storey former sea captain’s house, has panormaic views. Sleeps four.
■ Minimum three-night stay
2. DEVON
Famous for its stunning landscapes, Devon is a great choice for families wanting to escape to the countryside this year.
A break at Old Stable Cottage sleeps up to six people and is all about embracing the fresh country air and spending quality time together – there’s even an outdoor swimming pool.
Located in Okehampton and within reach of Dartmoor National Park, this cottage is a great base for anyone wanting to explore Devon. ■ Average nightly fee £287. Minimum two-night stay
3. NORFOLK
Known for its long, sandy beach, Great Yarmouth is always a hit for families, and this luxury family caravan at Hopton (see top left) sleeps up to eight people, with three bedrooms and a sofa bed.
Close to the sea with the Pleasure Beach and Fritton Lake Outdoor Centre and Country Park just 5km away, it’s the perfect escape.
■ Average nightly fee £73. Minimum three-night stay
4. DORSET 5. CAITHNESS
Hide Away Cottage, North Yorkshire
Poole is a bustling tourist resort in the east of Dorset, and is well known for Europe’s largest natural harbour and award-winning blue flag beaches, including the world famous Sandbanks Beach.
The Grey House, below, is a family-friendly property which sleeps up to six guests and is situated in the heart of Poole, with Westbourne and Bournemouth within walking distance – perfect for a coastal break this summer.
■ Average nightly fee £214. Minimum three-night stay
Caithness is one of the most northerly areas in Scotland and home to rolling farmland, moorland and scattered settlements.
For families wanting to explore Scotland, this apartment located in Keiss, Wick, comfortably accommodates up to six, and includes two double en-suite bedrooms. Keiss is a fishing village on the east coast of Caithness, providing the perfect, tranquil escape.
■ Average nightly fee £149. Minimum three-night stay
6. CUMBRIA
Cumbria is known for the alluring Lake District National Park, home to stunning views and some of England’s biggest lakes.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquillity, Combgill Cottage is a recently refurbished, beautiful historic property in the heart of the pretty village of Tirril, perfectly located for spending time in the stunning Lakes, to disconnect from the stress of the city. Sleeps up tosix. ■ Average nightly fee £289. Minimum three-night stay
7. PEMBROKESHIRE
If you fancy becoming a treasure seeker, you might want to head to the Pembrokeshire coastline, which is known for its shipwrecks and vast amount of bays and sandy beaches. It’s a nature lover’s haven and this cosy log cabin, left, is just 5km from Tenby beach, and 1.5km from Tenby Dinosaur Park.
It sleeps up to four and is also pet friendly, which means no family member has to be left behind.
VACCINATIONS are successfully rolling out across the nation, spring is around the corner and the Government road map out of the latest lockdown has been unveiled – perhaps we’re in the final furlong of the race to beat coronavirus.
With overseas travel having been more or less off limits for almost a year, there’s a pent-up demand to jet off for a holiday, perhaps as early as May 17.
But with safety the priority, it may be a slow, phased return for international getaways, so we’ve teamed up with travel association ABTA to look at key points to be aware of when booking.
BOOK A PACKAGE HOLIDAY
We’re recommending them this summer as they offer protection under the Package Travel Regulations, so you are entitled to a replacement trip or a full refund if your getaway is significantly altered by a change in the situation at your destination.
A package also has the added security of UK Civil Aviation Authority ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) protection, which helps you if your travel company, airline or hotel goes bust.
CONSIDER BOOKING EARLY
You’ll bag the best deals, such as room upgrades, and get the accommodation and resort of your choice.
THE PAPERWORK
Many destinations require you to have at least six months left on your passport, so check it will be valid, and allow plenty of time to renew it. Also check on the FCDO website if you need a visa and apply in good time.
BEST OF HEALTH
The FCDO website has details of a country’s health requirements, while
Travelhealthpro (travelhealthpro.org. uk) is your go-to for the latest travel health advice for your destination.
After Brexit, the UK’S Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) offers state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes free and will replace the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Your current EHIC will be valid until the expiry date. Neither card replaces travel insurance.
FLEXIBLE FRIENDS
If you book with an ABTA member, such as an expert travel agent or tour operator, you can expect help with flexible cancellation and re-booking policies, allowing you to change your arrangements free of charge at a later date if necessary because of Covid.
GET INSURED
As soon as you book your trip, take out travel insurance and consider a policy with virus cover. More information is available at abta.com/travelinsurance
DESTINATION CHECKS
Keep up to date with the latest Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice for the country you’re visiting. You can also sign up to receive email alerts on your destination country. See gov.uk/ foreign-travel-advice
ARE EU-READY?
Post-brexit, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the extra steps you may need to take, such as ensuring you have the right documents if you are driving or taking your pet to an EU nation. See abta.com/brexit for details.
AND FINALLY...
Have a safe and enjoyable holiday wherever you go – once it’s safe to travel again!